The Healthy Adams County Physical Fitness Task Force has released the schedule for its 2025 Fall Walking Parties, a series of free, community-led walks designed to promote health, fitness, and social connection. The walks are open to everyone, with leashed dogs welcome at most locations. Participants are encouraged to wear good walking shoes, bring water, and attend as many walks as possible to be eligible for prizes.
The series begins Monday, Sept. 1, at 8:00 a.m. with the Highmark Wholecare Labor Day Free 5K at the Wyndham Hotel in the Gateway Complex off Routes 30 and 15. The race and walk will cover about 3.1 miles on paved roads with some gentle hills. Medals will be awarded to all children who finish, and participants may register in advance or on race day.
On Wednesday, Sept. 3, at 1:00 p.m., walkers will meet at Bantam Coffee Shop, 82 Steinwehr Avenue, for a 2.8-mile walk to Culp’s Hill. The route follows paved roads and sidewalks with some hills, shade, and scenic views. Participants will also learn about the area’s unique coffee shops.
The Sept. 10 walk at 1:00 p.m. will be held at the Land of Little Horses, 125 Glenwood Drive, Gettysburg. This scenic, one-mile walk on gravel paths passes by penned animals, including miniature horses, with opportunities to walk the loop multiple times. The gift shop and animal feed sales will be open.
On Sept. 17 at 1:00 p.m., walkers will begin at the Charlie Sterner Building at Gettysburg Rec Park, 545 Long Lane, and take a 1.8-mile loop to the GIL Blue Bridge and back. The route is mostly flat with some shade. Janelle Gilbert, Fitness Director of the YMCA, will speak about balance and posture.
The Sept. 24 walk at 1:00 p.m. takes place at Amblebrook, 25 Lively Stream Way, Gettysburg. The two-mile route circles ponds, passes community centers and residential areas, and winds through wooded sections with rolling hills. A guest speaker will be announced.
On Oct. 1 at 1:00 p.m., walkers will meet at the Penn State Extension Building, 670 Old Harrisburg Road, for a 1.9-mile loop along the Gettysburg North Trail to Barlow’s Knoll. Eric Meyer of H.A.B.P.I. will discuss local trail projects, including the Gettysburg Inner Loop.
Oct. 8 at 1:00 p.m. features a seasonal highlight at Hollabaugh’s Orchards, 545 Carlisle Road, Biglerville. This two-mile gravel walk through orchard lanes offers fall colors and guided information on the farm. Apples and cheese will be served. (Dogs not permitted.)
On Oct. 15 at 1:00 p.m., the group will gather at St. Joseph Academy, 69 Main Street, McSherrystown. The 2.5-mile walk explores neighborhood trails and the community park. A speaker will be announced.
The Oct. 22 walk at 1:00 p.m. celebrates Littlestown’s fall foliage. Participants will park at Littlestown High School, 200 E. Myrtle Avenue, or along Crouse Avenue, and check in at the Crouse Park Gazebo. The two-mile walk follows quiet neighborhood streets with vibrant autumn views.
The season concludes with a hike at Camp Eder in Fairfield on Thursday, Oct. 30, at 10:00 a.m. The two-mile out-and-back trail includes steady inclines and an optional one-mile add-on. Strawberry Hill Education Director Anne Gageby will lead the hike, which offers spectacular summit views.
Participants who achieve perfect attendance or complete their exercise goals will receive a T-shirt and a gift card to the Adams County Farmers Market.
For more information and maps, visit adamswellness.org or facebook.com/healthyadamscounty.
Source: Healthy Adams County Physical Fitness Task Force
This sounds like a great program. But on a Wednesday in the middle of the day? People work! Why can’t it be at 4 in the afternoon on a Wednesday? I would love to attend but what should I tell my boss?